How Much Mobile Data Does Twitch Use

calendar1Last UpdatedFebruary 10, 2020

Though many wireless companies have finally listened to their customers and offer unlimited plans, some plans are still capped. You may also need to pay attention to your data if you are using your device as a Mobile Hotspot.

This post will cover how much data streaming (and viewing) Twitch uses so that you can plan your broadcasts accordingly.

What Uses Data When You’re Streaming on Twitch?

There are a few things that factor into the data you use while streaming on Twitch. There are several things that will affect how much data you are using:

The quality of your stream (resolution)

Data used playing an online (or mobile) game

Reading comments from the chat

Watching your stream another device

Each of these will affect your bitrate. In addition to overage charges or slowed speeds when you reach your data cap, trying to stream too much information can cause a lag on your channel. Laggy streams are unbearable to watch. Overall, unless you know for sure that you have enough data, you may want to stream at a lower quality than you normally would.

Interestingly enough, your resolution and FPS (frames per second) don’t affect your data very much. You may be able to up your FPS to 60 (from 30) for a slightly better stream.

How Much Data Do You Use When Streaming on Twitch?

The following chart shows how much internet data you will use per hour when streaming on Twitch.

Resoulution

Bitrate (kb/s)

Data Per Hour

Min Time to 1 GB

Min Time to 5GB

240p

500

.225GB

4hr, 25min

22hr, 5min

360p

600-800

.27-.36GB

3hr, 42min

18hr, 30min

480p

900-1200

.405-.54GB

2hr, 27min

12hr, 15min

720p

1800-2500

.81-1.125GB

1hr, 13min

6hr, 5min

1080p

3000-3500

1.35-1.57GB

44min

3hr, 40min

Ultimately, there are several things that could influence just how much data you are using when you live-stream. Your safest bet would be to run a test using your device. Check your data before and after you stream and see how much you used while broadcasting for 15 minutes. Multiply that number by 4 for an approximate hourly rate.

Keep Track Over Time

Get in the habit of checking your data before and after each stream to ensure that you are maintaining a healthy data-rate and won’t find yourself capped or overrun with fees.

The best way to truly know how much data you use per hour with your setup is to track it over time. While calculators can help you with a rough estimate, they can’t factor in every single moment of a stream. Keep a spreadsheet of how long your streamed, what settings you used, and how much data was consumed. Over time, you’ll be able to figure out what settings you should use to balance quality and bitrate for yourself.

Check with Your Wireless Carrier

Check with your Wireless provider. Data caps are quickly becoming a thing of the past for “lower quality” internet. For instance, Verizon’s plans will cap you on their 5G internet, but you will get unlimited 4G LTE data on their new unlimited plans. If you are on an older plan, talk to your provider to see if you can upgrade.

Most providers will also give you Mobile Hotspot allotment for additional fees. This can be useful when you are running additional devices requiring internet for your stream.

How Much Data Do You Use When Watching Twitch?

If you are on an older data plan or using Mobile Hotspot to watch Twitch, here is how much data you will be using:

Resolution

Data Per Hour

Time to 1 GB

Time to 5BG

240p-320p

.3GB

3hr, 20min

16hr, 40min

480p

.7GB

1hr, 25min

7hr, 5min

720p

.9GB

1hr, 6min

5hr, 30min

1080p

1.5GB

40min

3hr, 20min

2K

3GB

20min

1hr, 40min

4K

7.2GB

6min

40min

You can manually lower the quality of the streams on your mobile device to reduce your bitrate.

Try to Use Public Wi-fi

When available, try to use public Wi-fi. While Wi-fi isn’t as powerful as cabled internet, it can be better than your phone’s internet plan. There is also the added benefit that, when using Wi-fi, you’re not using your data. To read more, read our post, Best Settings for Streaming on Wi-fi.

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Chris

Chris is a digital marketer with a strong background in influencer branding. He applies his knowledge of content and promotional strategies to design actionable advice for new and intermediate streamers.